Home Improvement News Bureau

Fall Home Fix-ups To Make Winter More Comfortable And Affordable

MONEY PIT NEWS BUREAU - September 15, 2005:  As summer comes to an official end, many homeowners take advantage of the fall weather to finish home improvement projects.  Leslie Segrete, co-host of the syndicated radio show, The Money Pit, and star of TLC’s hit series While You Were Out, suggests that now is a perfect time to evaluate your home and get it ready for whatever old man winter might have in store.

“With extremely high energy prices and cold weather on the horizon it’s a good idea to be a good scout and prepare,” says Segrete.  “Look for products that can make your home healthier and more comfortable, while being affordable.”

Segrete has her own “to-do” list to prepare for fall and a quick peek suggests homeowners pay particular attention to:

• LEAKS – Doors, windows and electrical outlets are common culprits.  For windows that need replacing, Segrete recommends consumers invest in energy efficient windows that lower heating and cooling costs, while also adding value and beauty to a home. For example, Andersen® 400 Series Woodwright™ windows are 35% more energy efficient in winter than ordinary dual-pane glass, weather the elements well and require virtually no maintenance.  Yet, their traditional wood styling means they also fit well in any home décor.  For more information, visit www.andersenwindows.com.
• CLEAN AIR – In cooler weather we all spend more time indoors – where the air quality is often 25x more polluted than the air outdoors.  The solution is a whole house air cleaner.  Unlike the seen-on-TV room air cleaners, a whole house air cleaner is built-in to your home’s heating and cooling system.  As a result, it can clean the entire home.  Aprilaire manufacturers a highly efficient unit that not only removes dust, but also removes bacteria that causes colds and flu.  Professionally installed whole house air cleaners like this one from Aprilaire can also help extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment.  For more information visit, www.aprilaire.com.
• UPGRADE HEAT-- Look for safe and economical ways of heating the rooms you use most to a comfortable temperature when you’re in them -- especially if the house thermostat is set lower.  The Reiker Room Conditioner looks and installs like a high-end ceiling fan but does double-duty as an electric room heater.   Controlled by a smart remote, it allows you to set the temperature and automatically turns heating elements on and off as needed without cords to trip over or a burn or fire risk.  For more information visit www.heatingfans.com.
• STORM PREP – Be it sleet, snow or something in between, winter storms can wreak havoc just about anywhere.  In fact, each year 75% of all Americans experience a power outage.  A good product to keep you storm-ready is the Black & Decker Storm Station All-in-One Rechargeable Power Source/Radio/Light .  This handy appliance includes a locator light that comes on when the power goes out, a removable flashlight, a 25 watt power plug for small appliances and a 12 volt recharging port for cell phones.  Plus the included weather radio allows you keep up to date on civil and natural emergencies in your area.  For more information visit www.blackanddecker.com.
• TWEAKS AND SQUEAKS – Before winter’s corrosive weather sets in, homeowners are wise to give their homes the once over with a can of WD-40.  With windows and doors to lubricate, squeaky hinges to silence and much more, no home should be without WD-40. Now the can has even been redesigned to make it simpler to use.   The 12-ounce can has more than 2000 uses and can be sprayed in two ways—through the permanently attached “Smart Straw” (you’ll never lose it again) for tight places or through the wide-area sprayer when the straw is folded down.  For more information visit www.wd40.com.

“Do your homework now,” advises Segrete.  “Fall is the ‘Goldilocks’ time to get your how-to projects done…it’s not too hot and not too cold.  It’s ‘just right’ and will save you a lot of time, money and frustration later.”

Print Version

Search Related Topics: Energy Savings, Heating, Mold, Storm Proofing...